Rating: 
Summary: Only if you like to be scared
Review: Maybe I'm a sissy. A "wimp" Kate would have called it (read the book for the meaning of that statement).
Mary Higgins Clark is a wonderful writer and I am in no way meaning to bash her. But this book was so scary to me that I will never read another of hers again. I read it in one sitting of 8 hours. Since you don't know me, your "scary scale" may or may not match mine, and therefore my advice is unreliable.
If you liked the movie Don't Say A Word, you should read this book, though I don't think they are based one on another.
Rating:
Summary: Psychological Thriller w/ an aura of uncertainty
Review: What can I honestly say about an experience like Mary Higgins Clark's, "All Around the Town"? Let me begin by acknowledging that I have never read a single of Clark's books prior to this, so I am not really familiar with her form of writing and the techniques she uses. A friend highly recommended this book and author to me (thanks T. G.), so naturally, I decided to check it out, largely because I am a big fan of Psychological Thrillers and I haven't read a decent mystery in ages. I've decided to approach this review from more of a "Commentary" stand point, so I really won't take the time to explain the plot or characters in great detail. I expected the usual dead corpse, clear the convict of charges, make large revelations, and everyone has a "happily ever after" type ending format to this mystery. To a certain extent, this was true, but there were multiple plot twists, a sophisticated aura to the story and it's details, and character development that rivals that of classics like "Gone with the Wind" and "Little Women". This was an unexpected surprise to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationships that formed between the central characters and their general respect for each other and the parts they play in this mystery/Psychological development story. The one of the central characters, Laurie (aka. Leona, Kate, Lee, and Debbie), is forced to come to the facts that she was not responsible for her parent's tragic death or her being kidnapped and molested at the innocent age of 4. We later learn in the story that to help her get through the "tough" times in her life, for lack of a better word, she has developed a case known as Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) in which her mind embraces four other personalities aside from her central personality (Laurie). Among these are Debbie, a constantly crying four year old; Lee, a personality which I will not discuss for fear that I may spoil too much of the story; Kate, an older, more mature protector which resembles Laurie's sister in character; and Leona, a sexy, feminine woman who is not afraid to let it all out. Laurie doesn't realize she has these other personalities in her mind until she talks to her psychiatrist and together they identify the personalities. Laurie's older sister, Sara, is very protective over Laurie but not in an imposing way. I believe she felt guilty because she was not there to prevent Laurie's kidnapping. She is a very conservative and mature woman who quits her job as an assistant prosecutor to defend her sister in court when she is charged with the murder of her College Professor Allan Grant. Laurie has always admired and loved Professor Grant but her alter personality, Leona, has taken this to when she sneaks into his house at night, watches him sleep, and writes very provocative and explicit love letters to him signing as Leona (Allan Grant is unaware of Laurie's MPD case). Found stabbed to death on his bed, Laurie is the only suspect in his murder. I prefer to not reveal anymore of the story because you can read more about it in the other reviews below and above mine and I'd much rather give my impressions on the story and not waste time talking about something I need not to. Anyway, as I was saying, the plot twists and later revelations are worth reading and it gives you a good feeling towards the story once you finish the 117 chapter story (Don't worry, most chapters are less then a page in length, at least in the hard bound version). Early insignificant details in the beginning of the story and after Grant is killed are later brought out in the forms of great revelations which progress the story further and add to the total experience. Hint: Pay special attention to details that don't seem very important or are not really worth remembering when you first come across them. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of Psychological thrillers, mystery, or character progression and revelations. I'd like to thank T. G. once again for recommending this book and for reopening my mind to the world of intellectual mysteries that stimulate the mind and leave you feeing a sense of accomplishment. Kudos and God Bless...
Rating: 
Summary: a Must Have!
Review: All Around the Town is definently one of the best books i have ever read. it is so original, interesting and well thought out. it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end! one of my absolute favorite Mary Higgins Clark novels, also one of the hardest to put down!
Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: This book was extremely enjoyable as well as suspenseful and had me at the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The multiple personalities added an interesting twist and the characters were extremely realistic as well as likeable. I would recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Higgins's past novels or anyone who enjoys a good mystery or suspense novel.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book!
Review: ALL AROUND THE TOWN is Mary Higgins Clark 9th bestselling novel, and her best work yet! The story revolves around Laurie Kenyon and her sister Sarah Kenyon. When Laurie is kidnapped at the age of four, she is put a victim to a lot of abuse and harassment. Two years later, she is sent back to her home, but once brouht back safely, she doesn't remember any of the unfortunate incidents that has happened to her during the two years.After many years later, Laurie, now a twenty one year old student, is suddenly accused of murdering her English Professor, Allan Grant. She has no memory of the crime but her fingerprints are found everywhere, therefore she arraigned on a murder charge. Laurie's older sister, defense attorney, Sarah Kenyon, takes up Laurie's case, and sends her to psychiatrist Justin Donnelly to unlock her dark, horrifying years when she was kidnapped. But, Laurie's abductor's, who have still not forgotten her, are still obsessed about her and after her to make sure that her past remains sealed and doesnt leak out. With all the elements needed for a good suspense book, Clark does a splendid job is making the readers guess the entire time as to what is going to happen next, especially when there is a terrifying twist in the climax! This book will keep up on the edge of your seat the whole time, and is a excellent novel to read!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!
Rating:
Summary: Her best work
Review: All Around The Town is the best Mary Higgins Clark book I have read and definately one of the best books I have ever read. It has been so long since I read the book but still remember it as my favorite. Clark portrays the emotions of the kidnapped child so you begin to feel for her. The suspense is great up until the very end. The book is not predictable and keeps you guessing. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: I thought All Around the Town was a great book. Laurie is kidnapped from her home by Bic and Opal at four and after two years she is finally returned home but she is a different person. Actually, she is five different people because she developed multiple personality disorders to protect her. In college she falls in love with a professor and after a confrontation with him about letters she's been sending him, she threatens him. Later he is found dead in his home and all evidence points to Laurie as the killer. Her sister has the job of proving her innocence which is hard because everyone including Laruie believes she did it. If you want to find out who the killer is, I recommend reading All Around the Town. If you are a Mary Higgins Clark fan, I definately wouldn't miss this one.
Rating:
Summary: Read this if you like Suspense!
Review: Another great book. Laurie Kenyon is snatched from her home at the age of four and dropped off at a local school two years later. To deal with the trauma of this event, Laurie makes up alter personalities. As she seems to get control of her personalities, she blames herself for the death of her parents. We follow Laurie twist in and out of her multiple personalities as they begin to take over her mind and body. As she goes through years of counseling the memories that seem to have been forgotten rise to the surface. And then she is accused of killing her college professor, and none of her personalities can remember killing him. I really enjoyed reading this book. A quick suspensful read.
Rating:
Summary: A thrilling say-up-all-night mystery!
Review: I stayed up half the night with this novel and read between classes to get to the bottom of this mystery. I reccomend this any time! Two thumbs up! My favorite book!
Rating:
Summary: ALL AROUND TOWN BY /MARY HIGGINS CLARK
Review: IT WAS A VERY GOOD BOOK AND IT KEPT YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT.
VERY WELL WRITTEN MARY HIGGINS CLARK IS A GREAT WRITER.
I HOPE IN THE FUTURE SHE HAS MORE BOOKS.
|
